Chargers Planning to Release Luis Castillo

Sources have confirmed the Chargers are planning to release Luis Castillo, who as started 79 games at left defensive end since being the 28th overall pick in 2005 according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Castillo has been paid $27.3 million over the past four seasons as part of a contract extension signed before the 2008 season. He as three years remaining on that deal, but he is due a $1 million signing bonus next month and a $3.9 million salary.

Castillo suffered a leg fracture in the 2011 season opener and did not play again. The Chargers are keeping open the option of re-signing him on a lesser deal after he tests the free agent market.